By D.r Haile Arefayne

Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) Chairman Zemene Kassie says Fano has established a unified command and reached understandings with armed groups representing several Ethiopian communities as part of a broader effort aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

In a rare interview with Swiss newspaper Le Temps, Zemene said Fano factions from Shewa, Wollo and Gonder, along with armed groups operating in Wollega in Oromia, had been brought under what he described as a “single national movement” and “single command.”

“What we’ve done over the past two and a half years is bring all these groups together,” Zemene said, claiming that the movement is now operating under unified leadership.

The AFNM was formally established in January 2026, bringing together major Fano factions under a centralized political and military structure in an effort to overcome longstanding divisions among Fano commands across the Amhara region.

Fano Claims Broader Anti-Abiy Coalition

Zemene also claimed that Fano leaders had held discussions with armed groups associated with Tigray, Gumuz, Berta, Somali and Oromo communities.

“Yes, this has been discussed and decided upon with the Tigrayan forces,” he said, referring to discussions over potential cooperation with Tigrayan armed groups.

According to Zemene, at least seven organizations have discussed coordinated action over the past seven to eight months, with the stated objective of shaping Ethiopia’s political future “after the fall of Abiy Ahmed.”

He did not identify all seven organizations or provide details of any formal agreement, joint command structure or operational arrangements.

The claims come amid growing government allegations that Fano and Tigrayan forces are seeking to coordinate with other armed and political opposition groups against the federal government.

A gathering held in Port Sudan in May under the banner of “Tsimdo” brought together opposition figures and representatives associated with several Ethiopian communities. Ethiopian authorities have cited the gathering as evidence of efforts to establish a broader anti-government alliance, while organizers have described it as a platform for peaceful coexistence and stronger ties among communities.

Zemene did not explicitly link the alleged seven-group discussions to the Port Sudan gathering.

Potential Shift in Fano-Tigray Relations

If confirmed, cooperation between Fano and Tigrayan forces would represent a significant shift in Ethiopia’s conflict landscape.

Fano forces fought alongside federal and regional forces against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during the 2020–2022 Tigray war. The two sides have since remained on opposing sides of Ethiopia’s political and military disputes.

Zemene said Fano’s current struggle extends beyond Amhara interests, portraying it as an effort to preserve Ethiopia’s territorial integrity.

“For us, fighting for the survival of the Amhara people also means fighting to protect Ethiopia and prevent its disintegration,” he said.

Fano Claims Extensive Control in Amhara

Zemene further claimed that Fano forces control more than 80% of rural areas in Amhara and dozens of small towns, while repeatedly gaining the upper hand against government forces.

He alleged that federal forces have deployed 13 commands in the region and claimed that Fano has engaged 10 of them.

The claims could not be independently verified.

The armed conflict between Fano fighters and federal forces has continued across Amhara since 2023, despite repeated government efforts to restore security in the region.

Zemene also accused the federal government of carrying out drone strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. He cited a reported July 22 drone strike on Abbay Giyorgis St. Arsema Unity Monastery in South Wollo, alleging that religious figures were killed.

The Ethiopian government has not publicly confirmed the specific allegations made by Zemene regarding the reported strike.

Wider Security Implications

Zemene’s remarks come as Ethiopia faces renewed security tensions in several regions, including Amhara and Tigray, while federal authorities continue to monitor alleged coordination among armed opposition groups.

If substantiated, a broader alliance involving Fano, Tigrayan forces and other armed groups could significantly alter Ethiopia’s security landscape and increase pressure on the federal government.

For now, the extent of any operational cooperation remains unclear. Zemene provided no details on the structure, scope or military activities of the alleged alliance beyond describing its broader political objective as working toward the toppling of Abiy Ahmed’s government.